graph TD
A[Environment] -->|Inputs| B[System 1]
B --> C[System 2]
C --> D[System 3]
D --> E[System 4]
E --> F[System 5]
F -->|Outputs| A
subgraph "System 1"
B1[Operational Unit 1]
B2[Operational Unit 2]
B3[Operational Unit 3]
B1 -->|Coordination| C
B2 -->|Coordination| C
B3 -->|Coordination| C
end
subgraph "System 2"
C1[Coordination]
end
subgraph "System 3"
D1[Control]
D2[Audit]
D1 -->|Feedback| D2
D2 -->|Anomaly Detection| D1
end
subgraph "System 4"
E1[Planning]
end
subgraph "System 5"
F1[Policy]
end
D -->|Feedback| C
E -->|Feedback| D
F -->|Feedback| E
OEDA Team Retreat 2025
Purpose
OEDA met for three working days to do some strategic planning. We used Beer’s Viable System Model as an organizing structure.
The Viable System Model
Intro
The Viable System Model is a framework for diagnosing and designing organizations so they remain viable: adaptive, resilient, and capable of surviving in complex environments. The model identifies five core subsystems that must exist and function well for any organization (including a team like ours) to be viable. These subsystems exist within a larger environment, and the way that they communicate and balance one another is a key to long-term success.